§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what meetings he has had with representatives of Muslim organisations in the United Kingdom; if he will list the organisations which have been invited to attend such meetings; what matters were discussed; if it is his intention that meetings attended by Ministers or officials will be convened on a regular basis; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydMy right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary has had no such meetings, but he met a number of representatives from Muslim organisations when they attended a reception given by him for members of the ethnic minority communities at the Home Office on 21 October. Among those invited were representatives from the United Kingdom action committee on Islamic affairs, the Union of Muslim Organisations, the Bradford Council of Mosques, Regents Park Mosque, Brixton Mosque and the Islamic Forum of Europe. I have visited the Golden Hillock Language Job Club, run by Dar-Ul-Uloom Islamia in Small Heath, Birmingham on 17 September. I have also met representatives from the Union of Muslim organisations on 29 October to discuss a range of issues and will be attending their dinner party on 19 November to celebrate the Prophet's birthday. Such meetings reflect the high frequency of contacts at ministerial and official level.
§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from(a) organisations representing Muslims in the United Kingdom and (b) others about difficulties concerning the investigation of deaths by coroners where a doctor's certificate cannot be given at weekends or otherwise; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Charles WardleNo recent representations have been received from Muslim organisations or individuals about difficulties over the investigation of deaths by coroners. From time to time we receive correspondence from or on behalf of Muslims about coroners post-mortem examinations; the most recent letter was received in March.